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Hotel & Room Review: Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

Relax and Rejuvenate in the Heart of Everything Portland

Revised 4/2021

Dear Polite Traveler,

Listed as the only Embassy Suite member of Historic Hotels of America, this Neo-Classical style hotel opened in 1912 and welcomed thousands of happy guests over the many years including nine presidents, Charles Lindbergh and Elvis Presley.  Just recently, it welcomed my hubby and me with an automatic upgrade, although most rooms are suites anyway, extra tea—I’m addicted—complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, and Evening Reception.  Those who have read my many posts know how much I love my wine in the evening.  The wine poured at the reception was excellent and the appetizers weren’t bad either.  

Note: Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   Also, during the pandemic, some amenities may not be available.  Please remember, this is only temporary.


Our Suite was Sweet 

Our room was excellent with a modest living room and large bedroom with a king-size bed.  A large flat-screen television was included in both rooms.  The bathroom was updated and a good size.  Plenty of comfortable furniture adorned the living room and included a bar sink, microwave and refrigerator. 

The one negative is the static windows.   Since the hotel is historic, the windows are as well, which means that they could be damaged if opened too much or improperly.  So, for those of us who like fresh air in our rooms, it just wasn’t there.  It’s not much of a negative, though.

  

Onsite Restaurants

Neither Mother’s Bistro and Bar or Kingsland Kitchen are affiliated with the hotel, but they are in the same space.  There is access to Mother’s from the hotel lobby though.  And this is where we ate every night of our stay.  Yum. 

Since we ate a bit at the Evening Reception, we weren’t too hungry for a full dinner.  So, we focused on starters.  This isn’t the type of food we eat often, but hey, we’re on holiday.  Our choices included their “trio of sliders,” “pigs in a blanket,” “pulled pork quesadilla,” with wine & beer.  Since Mother’s offers a generous “Happy Hour” our dishes were only $4 each with beverages reasonably priced. 

The Polite Traveler Note

I’ve mentioned this is a few of my posts, but it deserves to be repeated.  Please try to connect with those working in the venues you frequent.  Most often, you will be rewarded with warmth, friendliness, personal stories and, sometimes, exclusive benefits.  Even if not rewarded with more than a friendly smile, it just feels darn good.  Capture every moment and cherish it.  That moment may never come again.

For us, we befriended the woman working at the hotel welcome desk on the first night.  Every day, she would yell out greetings just to ensure we saw her before our daily outings.  The waiters at Mother’s became friends by our second visit.  One shared details about his fiancé and upcoming wedding, which would be held a few days after we left.  I felt honored to be trusted with such intimate personal information that I hugged him tightly, asking him to share the hug with his sweet bride-to-be.  None of this would have happened if we hadn’t taken the time to share a moment.  Please do.

Please share your experiences! 


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